spaniel

[ span-yuhl ]

noun

1. one of any of several breeds of small or medium-sized dogs, usually having a long, silky coat and long, drooping ears.
2. a submissive, fawning, or cringing person.

spaniel

/ ˈspænjəl /

noun

1. See water spaniel, Sussex spaniel, springer spaniel, field spaniel, cocker spaniel, clumber spaniel
   any of several breeds of gundog with long drooping ears, a silky coat, and formerly a docked tail See clumber spaniel cocker spaniel field spaniel springer spaniel Sussex spaniel water spaniel
2. See King Charles spaniel
   either of two toy breeds of spaniel See King Charles spaniel
3. an obsequiously devoted person

Other Words From

• spaniel·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spaniel¹

1350–1400; Middle English spaynel < Old French espaignol Spanish (dog), derivative of Espaigne Spain

Word History and Origins

Origin of spaniel¹

C14: from Old French espaigneul Spanish (dog), from Old Provençal espanhol, ultimately from Latin Hispāniolus Spanish

Example Sentences

The plums came off the trees hot from the sun, and I had a cocker spaniel puppy that followed me everywhere I went.

From The Daily Beast

If the cocker spaniel has to be booted out, then the cocker spaniel has to be booted out.

From The Daily Beast

Perhaps more insulting than if she'd been another woman, Samantha was Altman's cocker spaniel.

From The Daily Beast

You've got a splendid chance can spend what you like and rule in society and he'll subside into a tame spaniel.

From Project Gutenberg

A tiny spaniel lay beside the fire, his beady black eyes following the nervous movements of the master of the house.

From Project Gutenberg

Suddenly the spaniel leapt up with that feverish, spider-like activity of the toy species and began to bark.

From Project Gutenberg

The driver stopped of his own accord, and inquired what had happened, and then they saw that it was a spaniel that was hurt.

From Project Gutenberg

The spaniel held the great dog in awe, and never but once was known to go to the stable to see him.

From Project Gutenberg